120 Foreign Influencers to Experience Korea's Taste, Style, and Relaxation... Promoting K-Culture Globally

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on April 15 that, in collaboration with the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, it will launch the "2026 K-Culture: Taste, Style, and Relaxation Experience for the Five Senses" project to promote the diverse charms of Korea to the world.

The project involves around 120 foreign content creators (influencers) residing in Korea, who will experience Korea's taste, style, and relaxation and share their experiences globally by producing content for social networking services (SNS).

From April through November, the program will host six sessions of Korean cultural experience events, each lasting three days and two nights, recruiting 20 participants per session.

The first event will begin on April 17 in Jeonju. Participants will create their own bibimbap, stroll through Gyeonggijeon and the Hanok Village, and enjoy the unique style of Jeonju. In May, they will visit Pocheon to experience outdoor activities and Korean-style camping at Hantangang River and Myeongseongsan Mountain. At the end of May, a temple stay at Beopjusa in Boeun will offer a chance for self-reflection. In September, participants will head to Andong and Yeongju, visiting Hahoe Village and enjoying Seonyujulbulnori, immersing themselves in the traditional culture of Korean scholars. In October, in Dangjin and Seosan, they will try their hand at West Sea boat fishing and making makgeolli. In November, the program moves to Goseong and Sokcho, where visits to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the Unification Observatory will offer time to reflect on the reality of Korea’s division and the value of peace.

The annual event schedule and information on participant recruitment are available on the official website.

The Ministry also announced plans to separately produce and air two 30-minute Arirang TV variety specials in the second half of the year, exploring and discovering Korea's diverse cultural attractions. Foreign residents in Korea will appear on the shows, introducing Korean culture in a fun and entertaining way.

The Ministry stated that it will strategically collaborate with overseas media to expand its reach to global audiences. The production team of Thailand's public broadcaster (MCOT) will participate in the experience program and produce a local Thai show introducing Korean culture. In addition, discussions on collaboration with other international broadcasters are actively underway.

A policy official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said, "Through this project, we hope people around the world will discover not only K-pop and K-dramas, but also Korea’s vibrant regional cultures and hidden charms." The official added, "The vivid experiences of foreign content creators in Korea and collaborations with overseas media will provide an effective opportunity to showcase the unique appeal of K-Culture."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.